Light Therapy Lights for SAD

With winter just around the corner, you may be experiencing shifts in your mood and energy levels due to the effects of lower amounts of sunlight. These may be symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the Winter Blues.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends about the same time each year. Most people will start to feel the symptoms in the fall and they’ll continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel tired and moody. It may also result in sleeping too much, weight gain, socially withdrawing, lack of sexual interest, lack of alertness and irritability. We may feel unable to function normally. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer.

Who is Affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder and Depression?

Those living in northern latitudes and in frequently overcast areas are most affected, especially during the shortened fall and winter days. People who live in basements or dark apartments, those who live and work in dark environments, and shift workers may be affected by light deprivation even during the summer months. Adults are at higher risk of developing Seasonal Affective Disorder than children and teenagers and women may be up to nine times more likely to be diagnosed than men. After age 50, it has been found the risk of SAD begins to decline. Research has not yet provided a definitive reason why.

What is Light Therapy Treatment? Does Light Therapy Work?

Light therapy involves the use of a specially designed lamp (with UV filter) that delivers 5,000 to 10,000 lux of light. Light therapy works through the eyes.

Light therapy lamps are an affordable, safe and non-invasive way to get sunlight. Light therapy benefits include energy boost, improved sleep, and are a proven to alleviate symptoms caused by seasonal affective disorder, insomnia, the winter blues, jet lag, and shift work adjustment.

Side effects while using bright light therapy are rare and are generally mild. The most common side effects are eye and/or skin irritation and mild headaches. These conditions are most prevalent in people with light-coloured eyes, blonde or red hair and sensitive skin.

How to Use Light Therapy

Each day, for 20 to 30 minutes, sit in front of the lamp and enjoy the light. Reading, writing, putting on make up, or eating may be activities carried out during treatment. Marked improvement is generally apparent in as little as a few days. Extensive medical research over the past decades has shown that bright light therapy is the most effective treatment for SAD.

What Time of Day Should I use Light Therapy?

Light therapy lights mimic sunlight so it's important to use a SAD lamp in the morning right after waking. this mimics the sunrise and syncs your sleep-wake cycle to times when sunlight is typically accessible.

Please note that some medications, such as lithium, certain antibiotics, acne creams, and chemotherapy drugs, can result in increased sensitivity to bright light.

We Provide Seasonal Affective Disorder Light Therapy Solutions

Our stores across Canada provide a variety of light therapy lights for SAD. We’d be happy to help you discover ways to live a better, fuller life through the coming winter months.

Please fill out the contact form and we’ll connect you with a store near to you.

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